Chapter 48

Rodger called out over his shoulder,determination in his voice, "I just got word-Asclepius was spotted in the hospital. We can't let this chance slip by."

Sebastian immediately fell in beside him. "I'll help you look. We'll cover more ground together."

Violet trailed behind, her voice light and teasing."Don't leave me behind, Rodger."

"We'll have better luckif we split up. Let's each search a different floor." Rodger paused,glancing back at them both.

Without another word, the three of them fanned out in separate directions.

After half an hour of searching every corridor and peering into every room, Violet was out of breath and no closer to finding Asclepius.

Doubt began to creep in-maybe it was all just a rumor. No one had ever seen what Asclepius looked like,so how could anyone know for sure he was here? Hunting for a mystery man in the chaos of a hospital felt hopeless-like chasing after a ghost.

Jealousy gnawed at Violet as she thought about those fortunate enough to receive Asclepius's legendary healing. The unfairness of it made her blood boil.

Word around the hospital was that this time,Asclepius had picked someone who came from nothing. Not only had this ordinary person caught his attention, but they wouldn't pay a single dime for the miracle cure-it was all on the house.

Why did luck always seem to favor people like that? Why not her?

Violet truly believed her life carried far more weight than some nobody's. She couldn't fathom why Asclepius would waste his talent and resources on people who brought him nothing in return.

No matter how hard she tried, Violet couldn't figureout what motivated him. He had his pick of powerful politicians and rich elites, but instead, he insisted on helping those at the bottom-and for free.

Treating the ailments of the wealthy could buy him fortune or connections. Tending to the sick and poor only drained his own pockets, and she just couldn't see any sense in it.

Violet's irritation bubbled over as her thoughts spiraled, and she didn't even notice someone stepping into her path until it was too late.

"Ouch!" she shouted and landed hard on the floor. Without bothering to look up, she yelled,"Why don't you watch where you're walking? At least give me a hand!"

Emilia regained her footing and folded her arms,casting a cool gaze down at Violet sprawled on the floor.

"You're the one who came barreling around the corner," Emilia replied with a chilly chuckle."Not really my problem,is it?"

Just a few paces earlier, Emilia had turned the corner, and Violet's lack of attention had sent them crashing together. If Emilia hadn't caught herself, she might have ended up flat on the floor,too.

The sound of that voice snapped Violet's head up. There stood Emilia, looking as unfazed and self-assured as ever.

"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Violet accused, bitterness in her tone. "Can't get Rodger back, so you go around causing trouble for me?"

Emilia didn't miss a beat. "I don't have time to waste charming him all day like you do," she retorted, a hint of ridicule in her smile. "Some of us actually have better things to do."

"Keep telling yourself that. You'll never be good enough for Rodger, no matter how hard you try.You're nothing but a joke to him." Violet's lips curled in a sneer.

"If you're so desperate for him, be my guest,"Emilia retorted, her tone icy.

She started to walk away, but Violet suddenly wrapped herself around her leg, sobbing.

"Emilia, I'm so sorry! It's all my fault. I shouldn't have stolen Rodger from you. If you want to yell at mne or slap me, I'll take it. I deserve it."

Emilia's brow knitted together in confusion.What was Violet playing at now? Before she could process it, someone gave her a hard shove from behind.

The force slammed Emilia into the wall, pain shooting through her arm as it struck the surface.

She winced and immediately checked her arm,anxiety flaring. If she injured her hand now, her days as a surgeon could be over for good.